Steroid injections given to pregnant women before they deliver a premature baby may increase the risk of the child developing behavioral and emotional problems later in life, researchers said on Friday.

Despite some women's worry that seat belts or air bags could harm a baby in utero in the case of an accident, expectant mothers who are not wearing a seat belt during a car crash are more likely to lose the pregnancy than restrained mothers, according to a new study.

Banning smoking in enclosed public places can lead to lower rates of preterm birth, according to Belgian researchers who say the findings point to health benefits of smoke-free laws even in very early life.